'It feels like we could score 300 in a match...': GT captain Shubman Gill fires stern warning to opponent teams ahead of IPL 2025

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill is confident of his team touching 300-run mark in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 which is set to start from March 22. His supported his argument having witnessed the recent trend of high-scoring matches in the IPL. Notably, nine out of the ten highest scores in the tournament's history were recorded in the previous edition, where the 250-run threshold was surpassed nine times. Additionally, there were three instances of teams posting totals in the 240s, with a particularly remarkable chase by Punjab Kings who successfully chased down 262 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders with eight balls remaining.

Gill attributes the surge in high scores to the implementation of the Impact Player rule. This rule enables teams to strategically introduce an extra batter or bowler during a match, depending on the specific demands of the situation. This tactical flexibility, he believes, has significantly contributed to the inflation of overall match totals.

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"The pace of the game has reached a point where it feels like we could score 300 in a match. Last year, we came very close on a few occasions. The Impact Player rule adds excitement and makes the IPL even more entertaining," Gill said on JioHotstar.

Gill also talked about his captaincy and said that he believes leadership is a continuous journey and one gains insights with every match and every week.

"I believe leadership is a continuous journey. You gain new insights with every match and every week. Different players bring different perspectives, teaching you not just about leadership but also about themselves. As a leader, the key is to understand what enables each player to perform at their best. Every player is different, and leadership is about managing them effectively. Knowing their strengths, weaknesses, and how to bring them back into form when they are struggling is crucial. The more you play, the more experience you gain through highs and lows, and that shapes you as a leader. It is essential to have one-on-one conversations with teammates. Initially, I was not the type to naturally engage in such interactions, but as a leader, it became a conscious effort. Talking to the players, understanding their mindset, and ensuring they feel valued is important. When a team leader reaches out, it instills confidence in the players and helps build a strong team environment," he added.

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On being asked about whether captaincy brings any sort of extra responsibility while batting, Gill said:

"As a batsman, when you're on the field, you just need to focus on your batting. If you start thinking about your leadership responsibilities while batting, it can take you away from your best game. Batting is an individual battle between you and the bowler, whereas fielding is a collective effort. Leadership plays a bigger role in fielding and team strategy. When I bat, whether I am the captain or not, my job remains the same – to win matches for my team. Last year, there were times when I overthought things, which affected my performance. The key takeaway for me has been to separate captaincy from batting and approach my game with a clear mindset," he concluded.

Gujarat Titans' full schedule in IPL 2025:

GT vs PBKS, March 25 - Ahmedabad
GT vs MI, March 29 - Ahmedabad
RCB vs GT, April 2 - Bengaluru
SRH vs GT, April 6 - Hyderabad
GT vs RR, April 9 - Ahmedabad
LSG vs GT, April 12 - Lucknow
GT vs DC, April 19 - Ahmedabad
KKR vs GT, April 21 - Kolkata
RR vs GT, April 28 - Jaipur
GT vs SRH, May 2 - Ahmedabad
MI vs GT, May 6 - Mumbai
DC vs GT, May 11 - Delhi
GT vs LSG, May 14 - Ahmedabad
GT vs CSK, May 18 - Ahmedabad

Gujarat Titans' full squad for IPL 2025:

Kagiso Rabada (10.75 crores), Jos Buttler (15.75 crores), Mohammed Siraj (12.25 crore), Prasidh Krishna (9.50 crore), Nishant Sindhu (30 Lakh), Mahipal Lomror (1.70 crores), Kumar Kushagra (65 Lakh), Anuj Rawat (30 lakhs), Manav Suthar (30 lakhs), Washington Sundar (3.20 crore), Gerald Coetzee (2.40 crore), Arshad Khan (1.30 crore), Gurnoor Brar (1.30 crore), Sherfane Rutherford (2.60 crores), Sai Kishore (2 crores), Ishant Sharma (75 Lakh), Jayant Yadav (75 Lakh), Glenn Phillips (2 crores), Karim Janat (75 Lakh), Kulwant Khejroliya (30 Lakh)